The fallout from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s latest budget continues to grow, with Hastings MP Paul Mercurio publicly criticising a major cut to the region’s performing arts sector.
In a statement published the day after Tuesday night’s council meeting, Mr Mercurio said he was “deeply disappointed” by the council’s decision to reduce the Performing Arts Development Fund from $500,000 to $250,000.
“When I was a councillor, I was able—with the assistance of my fellow councillors—to establish the fund with $500,000 per annum set aside for anyone in our community to apply for funding for arts or performing arts projects,” he said.
“That amount represented just two per cent of what council contributes to sport on the Peninsula.”
Mr Mercurio argued the fund was intended to create balance for residents not involved in sport, offering opportunities to engage in music, theatre, arts and cultural development.
He pointed to figures raised during Tuesday’s budget debate that showed the fund was oversubscribed by more than $1 million last year, calling it “proof the fund is vitally needed.”
Council Officer: Reduced Funding Will Limit Arts Strategy
In response to a question from Cr Max Patton regarding the implications of the cut to the Creative and Performing Arts grants, a senior shire officer outlined the likely impact on the delivery of council’s Arts and Culture Strategy.
“Through the Chair, the Arts and Culture Strategy is delivered in partnership with the community,” the officer said. “It’s been a transition over previous years where the funding available through this grant programme actually adds value to what’s delivered within the council area.”
The officer likened the grants to community capital programs, stating that they empower local residents to uplift the region’s creative infrastructure in ways that benefit health, wellbeing and the local economy.
“In summary, we wouldn’t be able to deliver all of the outcomes of the Arts and Culture Strategy,” she said.
“There would be a reduction in overall arts and culture offerings across the Shire, including contributions made to individual artists for activities that attract tourism, such as the Flinders Fringe Festival.”
“In fact, I would argue based on this – the fund should have been increased, not cut,” he said.
The Performing Arts Development Fund was introduced under the previous council during Mr Mercurio’s term as councillor. The recent reduction is part of broader budget changes that also included cuts to climate programs, Indigenous affairs, and internal staffing.
During the meeting, a council officer confirmed the reduction would result in “a reduction in overall arts and culture offerings across the Shire.”
While acknowledging the need for fiscal restraint, Mr Mercurio warned that the arts are “always the first to be stripped back when already underfunded.”
“I ask the councillors to reconsider this decision and urge anyone within the arts community to get in touch with your local councillor,” he said.
The meeting also exposed growing tensions within the council, marked by heated exchanges and claims of bloc politics.
